Welcome to the Post 251 Service Officer Post 911 Page
This page contains information that is specifically intended for Veterans who served after the Vietnam War
This page will be updated regularly, so please visit often for information you can use.
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Veterans can search free resources through Code of Support’s PATRIOTlink
Code of Support's PATRIOTlink database allows Veterans in need and their family members to search for free resources in their community.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/71957/free-resources-code-support-partiotlink/
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VA Welcome Kit simplifies VA benefits, service process
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/71634/va-welcome-kit-simplifies-va-benefits-and-service-process/
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Lab study: E-cigarettes may harm body's ability to fight infection
Electronic cigarettes may weaken the body's ability to fight infection, found a lab study by VA and University of California San Diego researchers.... (01/15/2020)
https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0120-E-cigarettes-damage-bodys-ability-to-fight-infection.cfm
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NDAA Expands Military Spouse Scholarship
Military spouses now have more flexibility to use the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship to pursue education and professional credentials.
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2072282
/ndaa-expands-military-spouse-scholarship/source/GovDelivery/
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Legion Offers Tips for Job Seekers
The American Legion's Employment & Empowerment Summit recently featured a corporate panel that answered questions about the hiring of veterans in the private sector. Here are several tips: (1) tailor your resume to match 100 percent of the qualifications for a particular job; (2) know how to translate your military skills into civilian job qualifications; (3) go after jobs that will satisfy you; (4) the details of a position and use key words in your resume that relate to it; (5) keep your resume to two pages; (6) Make sure you meet the basic qualifications of the job � the core competencies; (7) Take the time to read your own resume and correct your errors; and (8) sell yourself. Veterans need to explain their skill sets to potential employers, then ask what job openings would best fit those skills.
For more veteran job tips, job postings and transition advice, visit the Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
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New interactive map aids VA job seekers
At VA Careers, we strive to provide qualified health care professionals the resources they need to easily learn about, search for, and apply to jobs at VA. If you’ve visited VAcareers.va.gov recently, you may have noticed an exciting new feature on the homepage – an interactive map that makes searching for a job both quick and straightforward. With this new tool, you can: • Search jobs by keyword, job type and/or location • Sort by most recent postings, location or application deadline • The “find me” feature pinpoints your location and shows the closest available VA openings • The “draw” …
The post New interactive map aids VA job seekers appeared first on VAntage Point.
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VA accelerates deployment of nationwide opioid therapy tool
Washington – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accelerating the deployment of a state-of-the-art tool to help protect Veteran patients using high doses of opioids or with medical risk factors that put them at an increased risk of complications from opioid medications. The tool, referred to as the Opioid Therapy Risk Report, is being made available now to all staff in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Over the past week, VA’s Interim Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, has reached out to over 2,000 primary care providers in VHA clinics throughout the country to promote the use of …
The post VA accelerates deployment of nationwide opioid therapy tool appeared first on VAntage Point.
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Service to School: Enabling Veteran Success in Higher Education
Service to School is a 501c(3) non-profit founded by veterans and admission experts to provide veterans with free mentorship and assistance
The post Service to School: Enabling Veteran Success in Higher Education appeared first onVAntage Point.
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DoD Authorizes Global War on Terrorism Medals for Operation Freedom's Sentinel
The Department of Defense announced today that Operation Freedom's Sentinel is now a qualifying operation for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Service members deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Freedom's Sentinel continue to be recognized through award of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. However, service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel outside of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal area of eligibility are now eligible for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Those service members deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel who have previously been recognized with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for other qualifying operations are eligible to wear a service star on the medal or ribbon device.
Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright approved award of the Global War on Terrorism Medals for Operation Freedom's Sentinel, retroactive to Jan.1, 2015, in a memorandum signed yesterday.
Full eligibility criteria for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals are contained in Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards Campaign,
Expeditionary, and Service Medals. Additionally, lists of operations and areas of eligibility are available at:http://prhome.defense.gov/RFM/MPP/OEPM/Functions.
Service members should contact their respective military departments for additional guidance.
To learn more, please view the department's memorandum
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Get info on possible service-related exposures. http://go.usa.gov/sR2h
Information for Veterans Who Served in Operation Desert Shield
And Desert Storm and Their Families
Gulf War Registry: Three Reasons to Participate
Are you a Gulf War Veteran interested in your health and ensuring the health of fellow Veterans? Consider joining VA’s Gulf War Registry. Established in 1990, the Gulf War Registry is an important resource for understanding the health of the military personnel who served in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn.
For Gulf War Veterans, VA presumes that unexplained symptoms are related to Gulf War service if a Veteran has experienced them for six months or more. The “presumptive” illness(es) must have first appeared during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations or by December 31, 2016, and be at least 10 percent disabling.
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Georgia Department of Veterans Service
April 8, 2015 -- For Immediate Release
GDVS Addresses VA Policy Changes
In light of recent changes to federal policy regarding veterans benefits, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) would like to remind veterans and their families of the availability of personal assistance in filing for earned benefits.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced changes to its application process, including standardizing claims and appeals forms and implementing a new “intent to file” form. The standardization is designed to streamline the claims process.
The new “intent to file” form replaces the informal claim process (through which applicants could submit a claim on any piece of paper) and sets a one-year timetable for the gathering of evidence to begin a claim once the intent to file form has been submitted.
VA accepts submissions of the new form electronically, on paper, and via phone.
However a veteran chooses to file, GDVS field service officers are available to assist. They are certified to counsel and assist veterans and their families throughout the claims process, from initial filing to (if necessary) the appeals stage.
“You don’t have to do it alone,” said GDVS Commissioner Pete Wheeler. “VA is making it easier than ever to file claims, but just because a form can now be submitted in minutes online does not mean that is always the best decision.”
GDVS field service officers are trained professionals whose experience with the system can help veterans and their families avoid common mistakes that result in denied claims or delayed benefits.
Contact information for GDVS offices is listed at veterans.georgia.gov/field-offices; veterans may also call 404-656-2300 for directory assistance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------VA is currently seeking volunteers to participate in a study to measure the benefits of service and emotional support dogs.
Learn more at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/19471/volunteers-needed-va-to-study-benefits-of-service-dogs-emotional-support-dogs-for-veterans/
[note, the link given will take you to a page, from there will need to forward on, click on FOLLOW
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VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders (banks and mortgage companies). VA...
05/12/2015 10:18 AM
VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders (banks and mortgage companies). VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide you with more favorable terms. But what if you're having trouble making payments, or if you're headed for foreclosure? VA's Mortgage Servicing Assistance can help.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/veteran_borrowers.asp
Mortgage Servicing Assistance - Home Loans
This page is for Veterans, specifically about information to help them with their mortgage if it is delinquent, if they are having problems with mortgage payments, etc.
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This action will ensure all The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This action will ensure all The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs students are able to continue training at their chosen institutions. Read more at:http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/19934/va-secretary-waives-resident-rate-requirements-of-the-choice-act-through-december-2015/
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VA Accelerated Learning Programs -
Free IT Training for Veterans
The programs, called the Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs) and VA Learning Hubs, are open to veterans of all ages, have no tuition fees for members, and do not require the use of the GI Bill. Programs are being held online and in several locations around the country. The first round of applications for the ALPs have closed, an update when the applications open again will be posted.
There is also free education for veterans through https://www.coursera.org/ - an educational platform providing over 800 courses in a wide variety of disciplines from accredited schools and institutions worldwide, including but not limited to information technology, business and management, and education. All course material is available free of charge and participants receive free certification upon completion of any Coursera course.
Learn more about these free training programs:
http://themilitarywallet.com/va-accelerated-learning-programs/
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ReWalk Robotics (RWLK) Announces VA Purchase of Six Exoskeleton Systems for National Multi-Center
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Women Veterans who have questions or concerns about care can call VA’s Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN or 1-855-829-6636.
Explore what benefits, services may be available to you.
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Help turn VA into one of America’s most advanced medical systems.
03/02/2016 08:49 AM EST
Secretary McDonald has initiated “12 breakthrough priorities” as the near term focus for modernizing VA. Try this on for size. By the end of this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to transform the Office of Information and Technology and implement a “holistic Veteran data management strategy.” In business terms, that tech speak translates into “seamless care.” It means that any Veteran can simply walk into any of our facilities and get care. Soon thereafter, personnel at the facility can immediately call up patients’ data on the screen, regardless of geography or the kind of facility. “Our goal is …
The post Help turn VA into one of America’s most advanced medical systems. appeared first onVAntage Point.
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DoD, VA kick off interagency effort for coordination of complex care
The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments announced recently an ongoing effort to ease the transition for service members who require complex care management as they transition from the DoD system of health care to the VA, or within each system.
Read More ...
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Check out the Gulf War Newsletter for a list of illnesses that may be related to your service
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/gulf-war/gulf-war-winter-2016/index.asp
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New law will cut off unemployment pay for GI Bill users
Department of Labor officials are moving to cut off unemployment checks for veterans attending college on the GI Bill after lawmakers quietly approved the cost-cutting move last December.
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2016/03/12/unemployment-changes-gi-bill-veterans/81645480/
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Combat Veterans Get Telephonic Health Care Application Option
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has amended its enrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016, for all Veterans.
Read More at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2766
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Veterans with incomplete health care applications receive additional year to enroll
VA announced today it will extend the healthcare enrollment application period for one year to approximately 545,000 living Veterans that have pending incomplete enrollment applications.
The post Veterans with incomplete health care applications receive additional year to enroll appeared first on VAntage Point.
VA announces Community Care Call Center to help Veterans with Choice Program billing issues
Veterans can now work directly with VA to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing. Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET for assistance.
Read More at the following:
The post VA announces Community Care Call Center to help Veterans with Choice Program billing issues appeared first on VAntage Point.
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Fairness for Veterans Act (H.R. 4683)
Broken down in short: To provide medical benefits for Veterans discharged less than honorable due to PTSD and/or TBI medical conditions.
Read more: http://www.smithtowntodaynews.com/a-call-for-passage-of-the-fairness-for-veterans-act/
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Department of Defense Publishes Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal Guidance
The Department of Defense announced today that effective immediately, service members who are serving, or have served, in Iraq, Syria, or contiguous waters or airspace on or after June 15, 2014, who meet eligibility criteria are authorized award of the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
The secretary of defense signed a memorandum publishing the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal award guidance and criteria pursuant to an Executive Order issued today, “Establishing the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.”
Service members who were awarded a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM) for their qualifying service in Iraq or Syria during the period of June 15, 2014, to March 30, may exchange that GWOT-EM for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
Service members should contact their respective military departments for additional guidance and for determinations regarding eligibility for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
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New DOD App Helps Diffuse Nightmares for Better Sleep
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2016/05/new-dod-app-helps-diffuse-nightmares-for-better-sleep/
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Fibromyalgia in Gulf War Veterans
Gulf War Veterans who develop fibromyalgia do not have to prove a connection between their illnesses and service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. Fibromyalgia must have emerged during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations or by December 31, 2016, and be at least 10 percent disabling. - See more at: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/fibromyalgia.asp#sthash.2HSa2MES.dpuf===================================================================================
VA Secretary Provides Relief for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2795
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald has granted equitable relief to more than 24,000 Veterans following a national review of Traumatic Brain Injury medical examinations conducted in connection with disability compensation claims processed between 2007 and 2015.
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Scam alert! If a non-VA pharmacy calls you for approval for a prescription, immediately contact VA Police.
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Servicemembers who guarded Qarmat Ali in 2003 may have been exposed to a toxic form of chromium. Learn more:
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VA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH
If you couldn’t speak for yourself, who would make health care decisions for you?
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Post 9/11 Vet Newspaper
Exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents
Servicemembers who handled or demolished explosive ordnances during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) may have been exposed to toxic chemical warfare agents (CWAs), such as mustard agents or sarin, and may experience related health effects. VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) are working to identify and contact active duty Servicemembers and Veterans who may have been exposed to CWAs.
Read More: https://t.co/ze9xD5Ge92
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You can now apply for education benefits online
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DoD unveils redesigned National Resource Directory
National Resource Directory (www.nrd.gov), a website that provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels, unveiled an updated design and layout this week. The updates were implemented to make the site more user- friendly for the thousands of service members, veterans and family members who use the Directory each month.
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New Regulation Decreases Cost of Outpatient Medication Copay for Most Veterans
See Service Officer Posting for additional details.
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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR-459-16
Dec. 30, 2016
DoD Announces New Outreach Efforts to Veterans Regarding Discharges and Military Records
The Department of Defense today announced a renewed effort to ensure veterans are aware of the opportunity to have their discharges and military records reviewed. Through enhanced public outreach, engagement with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), Military Service Organizations (MSOs), and other outside groups, as well as direct outreach to individual veterans, the department encourages all veterans who believe they have experienced an error or injustice to request relief from their service’s Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (
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High-Tech Prosthetics Provide Options for Amputees
Read More at: https://www.research.va.gov/topics/prosthetics.cfm
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VA secretary formalizes expansion of emergency mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges
Effective July 5, all VA medical centers will be prepared to offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who present at the facility with an emergent mental health need.
The post VA secretary formalizes expansion of emergency mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges appeared first on VAntage Point.
#Veterans with OTH discharges will be able to access @VeteransHealth ERs for urgent mental health care starting 7/5… https://t.co/TG57H59T2
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Get Help Paying Your Energy Bills
https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills
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10 Things to Know About the Veterans Choice Program
http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/39882/10-things-know-veterans-choice-program/
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Volunteers sought for reading of the names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
One of the best ways to honor our fallen is to say their names and share their story. By saying their names, we are saying we will never forget them.
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Veterans Find Prostate Cancer Cure at McGuire
Veterans across America travel to McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond for treatment of moderate to aggressive forms of prostate cancer using “brachytherapy” a much better option for Veterans. Read the full story
https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2017/August/Veterans-Find-Prostate-Cancer-Cure-at-McGuire.asp
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Are you (OR do you know) a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless? Contact us for help:
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We want to connect with Veterans before they know they need us’
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the launch of Concierge for Care, a
health-care enrollment initiative that connects with former service members shortly after they separate from the service